we all need help
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa
Several years ago, I participated in a community circle with twelve teenage boys and their teacher. The students had selected the topic for the day. They wanted to talk about fathers.
We all sat in chairs, arranged in a circle, and each student took a turn sharing. The students told stories about their fathers -- of abuse, abandonment, and prison. There were fond memories and statements of love, but the overarching theme was absence. Of the twelve boys, one had a father who still lived in his home.
I struggled to hold it together.
Many of these students would have been labeled as "at-risk" -- whatever that means. At-risk for behavior. At-risk for dropping out of school. At-risk of mental health issues. The fact that they were in their teens and still in the classroom was an indication of their resilience. It was also a testament to others who stepped in to fill the void of their fathers. A mother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, teacher, or family friend. While the absence and loss experienced by these boys was heartbreaking, the presence of those who cared enough to step up when needed was heartwarming.
None of us make it through life without help.
Hard work, determination, and resilience are excellent attributes, but at some point, all of us need more. A little push. A word of encouragement. To be known. Someone in our corner.
Asking for, receiving, and accepting help is admirable.
Empathy, compassion, and helping others is necessary.